Photo by Dani Fresh
“Art matters because it is a hate-killer. Art matters because it is the one true great connector in a world that seems to be very unconnected, and it’s important now more than ever to shine a huge light on that connectivity that we have, that we often forget.” — Josh Groban, singer and composer
Traditions Bank appreciates ALL of the nonprofits working hard to meet the challenges of COVID-19 and leading the charge in the fight for equity and inclusion. During our 18th Anniversary Month, we are spotlighting and donating to 18 organizations that do this important work in the communities we serve.
This week, we highlighted the role that the arts, creative experiences, and educational opportunities play in coping with crisis. Each of the four organizations below received $1000 in appreciation of their efforts and in honor of our customers.
Day of Giving #1
Creative York
For the past 27 years, Creative York has led a focused effort to reach at-risk children in the City of York. Their award-winning ‘Art in the Parks’ summer program features art-making activities that teach social skills, respect for others, group decision-making, teamwork, and positive self-expression to more than 600 children yearly. Over the years, children, once participating in their programs, have grown to become volunteers of this program and parents to new generations of young artists. Even though COVID-19 impacted their ability to offer face-to-face programs, Creative York gave out art kits to families throughout York County. We are proud to support this effort as part of our 18 days of giving.
Day of Giving #2
Young Thinkers of York
Since 2017, Young Thinkers of York has provided more than 700 underserved students the opportunity for hands-on learning through robotics. Students develop essential skills, including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
From the very beginning, Young Thinkers of York’s purpose was to address the need to help underserved students excel in their academic future and to spark their interest in science and technology. STEM has proven to increase student performance. In 2019, over 450 York students participated in one of their in-school robotics activities. The RoboThinkers won 1st place in Programming at the Region FIRST LEGO League Championship. In October, their K-12 after-school robotics program will begin at the Young Thinkers center.
Their lessons include open-ended problem-solving activities designed to make learning about STEM through real-life robotics engaging and fun. This early exposure to STEM programming paves the way for York City students to become engineers, architects, scientists, and more. This love for learning and the skills they learn will make lasting impressions on these students, their families, and the City of York as a whole.
Day of Giving #3
Sprocket Mural Works
Sprocket Mural Works has painted more than 50 large-scale public murals and hundreds of small-scale art pieces in Central PA. Backed by decades of research, public Art has proven to make both individuals and the community healthier and happier.
Sprocket Mural Works believes public murals provide healing and hope to the community on a grand scale. Murals are awe-inspiring because of their size, vibrancy, and their ability to hold our gaze. According to a study published at Berkeley, awe experiences are self-transcendent. Meaning they shift our attention outward and make us feel like we are part of something greater than ourselves. Awe experiences create feelings of connection and make us more generous and kind towards others.
“During a recent festival, a man approached us, holding his chest with his hands, expressing how happy he is to have murals and bright colors in his community. He told us that he grew up in Harrisburg and now has children who live with him in the city. He was so proud that they now have this Art to grow up with, and how it will make such a difference in their lives. It gives him so much hope for the future of Harrisburg.” – Megan Caruso, President of Sprocket Mural Works.
Day of Giving #4
Hanover Area Arts Guild
The Hanover Area Arts Guild has been the art hub for the Greater-Hanover region for more than fifty-one years. Hanover Area Arts Guild is one of the most pivotable organizations and nonprofits in the York-Adams area. They have served the community in a variety of ways. They provide arts education for Pre-K students up to adult learners. They work with local organizations and businesses to improve access to arts in the community. For more than half a century, they’ve shared area artists’ work through their gallery spaces.
Please join us in thanking these organizations, and others that are meaningful to you, for their dedication to providing artistic, creative, and educational experiences for our communities.
We continue our 18 Days of Giving next week by highlighting nonprofits who support Health and Food Stability.
Learn how we partner with our community, ‘Beyond Banking’